“I agree that tax payers shouldn’t bear the burden of city orchestras”
Good. We agree on something. Well maybe, let’s see.
“disagree that classical entertainment is expensive when comparing entertainment venues... ever try getting a ticket to see beyonce or gaga? what about NFL tickets, those cost more than a trip to the symphony.”
My point about the high cost of going to a live classical music venue is not the cost alone but the fact that not one I know of runs without public taxpayers’ assistance. I can’t stand lady Gaga, but she’s not asking for a taxpayer handout.
“musicians get paid squat”
Not true.
[From related article] “Musician costs account for 48 percent of the Orchestra’s total costs. In 2011, Minnesota Orchestra musicians received an average annual salary of $135,000, plus $35,000 worth of benefits including a defined benefit pension plan and comprehensive medical plan. They receive a minimum of 10 weeks paid vacation each year and up to 26 weeks of paid sick leave per year.”
That’s not “squat”.
When they get paid the median wage of the taxpayers who are subsidizing their jobs, then you might get to say they earn “squat”.
“but lets not call them all a bunch of elitist over priced snobs who have nothing meaningful to contribute, unless of course your prefer the musical prowess of say eminem.”
Let’s be clear: I, personally love classical music, including opera. And, let’s be additionally clear, I too think classical music forms continue to make meaningful contribution to music and western culture. HOWEVER other forms of music are also making meaningful contributions to western music and culture; BUT, unlike the elite snobs involved in producing live classical music, and the elite snobs who think we should be subsidizing it, most other forms of western music ARE NOT asking that their businesses and jobs be subsidized by the taxpayers. And yes it does take a “superior than thou” attitude to be among those who think THEY DESERVE to be subsidized by our taxes. They don’t. My charge as to their elite and snobbish attitude is confirmed by their expectations of the taxpayers.
You could run a nice space program for what the nation pays its city-funded, state-funded musicians.......
Maybe not the whole program, but a good portion of it.